Iceland trek

8-Day Iceland Backpacking Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Reykjavik and Transfer

Today arrive in Reykjavik where you are met and transferred to your simple though comfortable mid-range hotel.

Meals:

Standard Lodging: 3-star Reykjavik Hotel

Day 2 : Glacier Walking Day Hike

Visiting: Solheimajokull Glacier

On this thrilling day tour, you'll experience a unique side of nature: the natural environment of an immense glacier! You will be guided through the labyrinth of a massive glacier tongue extending down from the fourth largest glacier in Iceland. Located only two hours from ReykjavÝk, we find the Eyjafjallaj÷kull massif, and just a little further east the Sˇlheimaj÷kull glacier, a tongue that extends down from its mother glacier, Mřrdalsj÷kull, Icelandĺs fourth largest overall. Today, you will go on a safe, easy-paced, fully guided walk on crampons up onto the ice field where you will discover a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses, and learn about the glacier and the effect of the Eyjafjallaj÷kull eruption in 2010 on the glacier and its surroundings. Your experienced mountain guides will teach you how to use the basic ice equipment necessary for this tour. On our return to the city, we'll make a stop at the photogenic waterfalls of Skˇgafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Included in your fee: round trip transportation from your hotel, guide, glacier gear, and safety equipment.

Lˇns÷rŠfi is one of the most remote hiking areas in Iceland and offers the unique experience of the rugged landscapes to the east of the Vatnaj÷kull glacier, Europeĺs largest. The glacier has clearly left its mark on everything here whether it is a moraine, a lagoon or a riverbed. The abundance of colors characteristic of the rhyolitic rocks are quite a contrast to the basaltic formations, offering a real feast for eyes and minds. Reindeer roam freely in this remote ruggedness and are vary of humans. Here we walk through an unbelievable variety of landscapes; deep canyons, green valleys, incredible cliffs and snow-clad peaks that stand against the sky. Well equipped mountain huts guarantee the comfort of this tour. Your guides will provide sleeping bags or blankets in the huts, that are also partially stocked with supplies, which should limit the weight each person has to carry to 15 to 20 pounds making this almost more of a trekking than a backpacking trip. You'll have options for day hikes within the trek to summit walk-up peaks and ridges for amazing views. An extraordinarily beautiful trek in a stunning wilderness area.

*** 2012 Departure dates:

July 7 ľ 14

July 14 ľ 21

July 21 ľ 28

August 4 ľ 11

August 11 ľ 18

*** Trip Notes:

Meeting point: The tour technically starts in Egilssaoir and ends at Hofn however weĺll arrange domestic flights via ReykjavÝk (approx $250 round trip, per person). Meeting time at the domestic airport in ReykjavÝk would be 6:45 am. Pick up from your ReykjavÝk hotel or guest house can be added for an extra fee.

This 10 day extended trip features a true backpacking classic.The 5-day trek is a unique hike from the moss covered craters of the Laki (erupted 1782-83) to the valley of N˙psta­arskˇgar, where with arctic birch grows in abundance. On the way we hike along the northern stretch of the 25 km crater row, visit the Rau­hˇlar craters, before we pass the natural hurdle that is the great SÝ­uj÷kull and the impressive rivers that thunders from it. If conditions are difficult we might have to adapt our itinerary to avoid this obstacle. On the other side our challenge during the first part of the hike is rewarded, in the Valley of Bones it is possible to enjoy a warm bath in a natural pool and further along we pass a series of magnificent waterfalls on our way down to N˙psta­arskˇgar. Glaciers have sculpted this landscape and recent lava streams and deep canyons add to the impressive surroundings.

*** 2012 Departure dates:

*July 11-20

*July 25 ľ Aug 3

Hiking per day: 6-9 hours

Total walking distance: 65 kilometers (40 miles)

Altitude: 450-650 meters (1475-2130 feet)

Maximum Ascent: 250 meters (820 feet)

Group Size: 4 to 12 participants

Of Note - Included: Safety equipment for glacier crossing

Meeting Point: KirkjubŠjarklaustur Gas Station

Special Note: Please be aware that when traveling from/to ReykjavÝk ,extra travel days are needed before and after the trekking tour.

Example:

Day 3: Bus - Reykjavik to KirkjubŠjarklaustur. Accommodation in KirkjubŠjarklaustur.

Day 4: Start of 5-day Trek

Day 8: Transfer - N˙pssta­arskˇgur to KirkjubŠjarklaustur. Accommodation in KirkjubŠjarklaustur.

Day 9: Bus - KirkjubŠjarklaustur to Reykjavik.Overnight.

Day 10: Departure from Reykjavik or extend.

The additional cost for the extra services, i.e. with sleeping bag accommodation in KirkjubŠjarklaustur t Day 3 and Day 8 plus transportation from ReykjavÝk to KirkjubŠjarklaustur and from KirkjubŠjarklaustur to ReykjavÝk is approximately US$250 per person above the regular trip price.

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Mountain Hut / Camping

Day 4 : Trekking/ Backpacking

Visiting: Iceland Wilderness

Continue the Trek. A full day to day itinerary is available- please contact us for the details.

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Mountain Hut / Camping

Day 5 : Trekking/ Backpacking

Visiting: Iceland Wilderness

Continue the Trek.

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Mountain Hut / Camping

Day 6 : Trekking/ Backpacking

Visiting: Iceland Wilderness

Continue the Trek.

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Mountain Hut / Camping

Day 7 : Trekking/ Backpacking

Visiting: Iceland Wilderness / Reykjavik

Finish your 5-day hike. Return to Reykjavik and overnight.

Meals: BL

Standard Lodging: 3-star Reykjavik Hotel

Day 8 : Departure

Visiting: Reykjavik

Transfer to the airport in time for your flight. For those wishing to extend in Reykjavik, we can arrange extra nights for an additional charge.